FORMER businessman Sam Gyimah proved a huge hit with voters in East Surrey, winning the seat for the Conservatives by a majority of almost 17,000.

The 33-year-old was selected by the party after Peter Ainsworth announced he would be stepping down earlier this year, and at the election count at Oxted School his victory was greeted with huge cheers from Tory supporters.

The turnout in East Surrey was 71%, up 5% on the last general election.

Speaking after he was announced as the new MP, Mr Gyimah said: "It's been an incredible campaign, I have worked very hard.

"I think the great thing is the turnout. It's good to see that people are engaged in politics here. The hard work starts now."

He said he was determined not to take anything for granted, having been selected to contest the seat just nine weeks ago

"There is no such thing as a safe seat," he said. "We have had to work flat out and I am delighted with the result.

"Whichever party people voted for, I am going to fight to represent everyone in the constituency and make sure we defend our quality and way of life here, which is one of the big things for East Surrey."